Apprenticeship Opportunities and Procedures for Young People in Bexley

The London Borough of Bexley supports a 2-tier (work-based learning) apprenticeship programme (level 2 and 3). Every year between 30-40 young people gain valuable work experience plus a formal NVQ qualification. Bexley want to encourage departments to think about vacancies becoming a training opportunity for the right candidate. This gives departments an opportunity to train and grow their future workforce. Learners spend 4 days in a placement and one day at college. Level 2 learners are non-employed; they receive a training allowance (currently £80) and are on the scheme for 12 months. The scheme has many objectives and benefits for both Bexley and the young people of the Borough.

Objectives and Benefits:

- Helps young people bridge the gap between full time education and employment.
- Raises awareness of recruitment channels and career opportunities in Local Authorities
- Can be used as a recruitment tool to the level 3 programme and/or future employment
- A development opportunity for both the young person and the department
- Can be used as a succession planning tool
- An opportunity for the young person to work and study
- A cheap source of labour to the Council
- To develop students’ confidence, maturity, flexibility, self-reliance and the ability to work with others
- The LSC (Learning Skills Council) fully fund the qualification for learners up to 19 years of age
- Bexley Council use a training provider to deliver the NVQ qualification
- The NVQ framework includes key skills, citizenship and a technical certificate (some learners are exempt from certain parts of the framework).
- Learners are required to sign and adhere to a code of conduct.

Bexley Council Procedures for offering a Level 2 Apprenticeship

Placement vacancies are advertised on the internet. Full details of the scheme and how to apply for a placement appear on the web site. [http://www.bexley.gov.uk/about/vacancies/apprenticeship/index.html](http://www.bexley.gov.uk/about/vacancies/apprenticeship/index.html). The majority of recruits start late summer once they have completed their exams. However the programme can be recruited to throughout the year. Every applicant is required to complete a detailed application form; sit assessment target skills tests and attend at least one interview. The scheme looks for dedicated young people who demonstrate commitment and reliability. Bexley staff can develop and train the right applicant with the skills required to competently achieve the qualification and demonstrate best practice in the workplace. Bexley currently offers placements in the following vocational areas:

- Administration
- Information Technology
- Childcare, Learning and Development
- Customer Focus

Please notify Cheryl Jones (Apprenticeship Consultant), Cheryl.jones@bexley.gov.uk if you or anyone in your department can offer an apprenticeship placement.

Successful learners are monitored at least once a term by the Apprenticeship Consultant and assessors from the training provider. Their progress is constantly reviewed and measures are put in place to ensure all learners complete the programme within the timed deadlines.

Line Managers are responsible for:

- Involving the apprentice learner in a varied workload
- Developing and equipping the learner with as many skills as possible
- Conducting a mini-induction on the first morning (to include Health & Safety)
- Making time for feedback sessions to monitor and discuss learner progress
- Keeping records of attendance, punctuality and annual leave
- Working in partnership with the Apprenticeship Consultant and the training provider.
- Organising a suitable log-on profile

The Level 3 Apprenticeship Programme

Level 3 learners are employed. Placements are matched against vacant positions. Learners are on the level 3 programme for 18-24 months and spend approximately 52 full days at college. Learners are promoted onto the level 3 programme from level 2. Level 3 learners have all the rights and responsibilities of any other employee.

The Work Experience Placement Scheme

Planning and Organisational Considerations

**Dates:** Recruitment to the schemes is on-going and according to demand. Most learners commence their apprenticeship during August or September.

**Hours of Work:** Learners should work a standard eight-hour day with the usual breaks and should not be asked to work more than five consecutive days out of seven.

**Duties and Responsibilities:** Will vary according to the work of the department, Health and Safety considerations and the aptitude and ability of the learner. Duties must be varied and meet the needs of the qualification criteria.

**Dress and Conduct:** All learners would have signed the code of conduct form prior to commencing in placement. Students should be required to conform to the department's dress code and any breach of this code should be corrected. The vast majority of learners perform their duties in a completely satisfactory manner but any misdemeanours will be dealt with in the usual way with a verbal corrections and warnings. If this fails to correct the situation the learner may be asked to leave the scheme.

**Health and Safety Issues:** It is essential that learners are fully briefed on the hazards of the workplace and the control measures to reduce or eliminate risk or injury at the start of their placement.

**Equal Opportunities:** The Council’s Valuing Diversity Policy will apply to apprentice learners.

**Pupil Supervision and Monitoring:** It is expected that while learners are in their placement they will be adequately supervised by a responsible person and their progress monitored. Regular feedback sessions will occur.